A winter drink-drive operation launched by the PSNI has seen a 15.5% surge in the number of people caught.

The police say they breathalysed more than 13,000 people between December 1 and January 1 and found 357 to be over the limit - a rise of 48 on the same period last year.

Police say there was a 16% increase in the number of people tested which may account for the rise in people facing court action. One person stopped was four times the drink-drive limit.

Commenting on the figures, Inspector Rosie Leech said the campaign was launched with a warning to drivers that “just one drink can impair your decision making. Just one drink can cause a collision. Just one drink could kill”.

She added that “each of those people are now facing the stark reality a court appearance where they will most likely lose their driving license for one or more years, be fined, and will have great difficulty in obtaining car insurance in the future”.

The officer said: “Many also risk losing their jobs or even going to jail. The alternative consequences had they not been caught do not bear thinking about.

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“One person was detected at nearly four times the drink-drive limit, with a reading of 133 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millimetres of breath while the legal limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

“We shouldn’t be detecting people driving with any alcohol in their system. It’s disappointing that despite our continued warnings, the publicity and media coverage generated by this policing operation, that a minority of people completely disregarded the safety of themselves and others by continuing this shameful and incredibly dangerous practice.

Car keys placed next to a pint of larger in a pub (Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)

“Police will continue to use all the powers and legislation at our disposal, including the authorised checkpoints, to detect people who insist on driving after having taken drugs or alcohol. All motorists need to consider the consequences of their actions. Never take the risk of having even one drink if you are driving. The consequences can be catastrophic.”

Inspector Leech said that as we move into a New Year and “with the continuing hours of darkness”, she wants to renew their appeal to all road users and pedestrians to “exercise caution and put road safety first”.

She added: “Make extra effort to look out for pedestrians and cyclists particularly along rural roads. Pedestrians and cyclists should wear bright clothing, reflective jackets or armbands where possible to ensure they can be seen.

“If everyone slowed down, did not drive after drinking or taking drugs, wore a seatbelt and drove with greater care and attention then together we can save lives on our roads.”